Lafouraille
Joro. (whispering) There are the de Langeac papers.
Vautrin I am not for the emancipation of the negroes! When there are no more of them, we shall have to do with whites.
Inez (to her mother)
Mother, allow me to go and read my father's letter. (To Vautrin)
General— (She bows.)
Vautrin
She is charming, may she be happy!
(Exit Inez, accompanied to the door by her mother.)
SCENE THIRD. The Duchess and Vautrin.
Vautrin (aside) If Mexico saw herself represented in this way, the government would be capable of condemning me to embassades for life. (Aloud) Pray excuse me, madame. I have so many things to think about.
The Duchess
If absent-mindedness may be excused in any one, it is in a diplomat.
Vautrin Yes, to civil diplomats, but I mean to remain a frank soldier. The success which I derive must be the result of candor. But now that we are alone, let us talk, for I have more than one delicate mission to discharge.
The Duchess
Have you any news which my daughter should not hear?